Richard Riakporhe can overcome banana skin to line up WBC world title shot
Richard Riakporhe looks primed to continue his climb up the cruiserweight rankings on Saturday night against British rival Deion Jumah.
Billed as the most explosive puncher in British boxing, Richard Riakporhe faces a banana-skin challenge from the unbeaten Deion Jumah (14-0) at Wembley Arena.
It's a terrific opportunity for the 32-year-old Jumah, who would be described as lightly raced, if he was a racehorse. Injuries, including a career-threatening issue with his eye, have stopped the London southpaw from getting the fights he would have liked over recent years.
Presser done! β
β Richard Riakporhe (@R_Riakporhe) March 24, 2022
Iβll see you all at the weigh in tomorrow. ππΏπ¦ π΅π΄@adidas #riakporheJumah #skysports #boxing #adidasathlete #themidnighttrain pic.twitter.com/Uby0K2mPdu
"I've sparred Richard a number of times. It was a long time ago,"Β Jumah told Boxing News. "So what he's doing now could be different to what he was doing then.
Riakporhe is the WBC mandatory challenger and he has plenty to lose should he slip up against Junah. The orthodox Londoner, who has been seen in an open session working southpaw, has his sights on a world title fight with Ilunga Makubu.
Riakporhe in line for Makubu fight
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said Riakporhe was in the mix to fight the Congolese champion IlungaΒ Makubu (29-2, 25 KOs).
"I've had a great camp withΒ Anthony Joshua, Kieron Molloy and Frazer Clarke, and everybody wants to make a name for themselves and make their mark on the world. AJ still has the hunger to come in the gym every single day and that shows character."
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β Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) March 16, 2022
The ππππππππ Train is coming...
@R_Riakporhe | @boxxer π₯ pic.twitter.com/5kYDUX4Yfb